Students have a variety of options to pursue masters and doctoral degrees. Many of these have very specific background requirements, so we suggest exploring the individual programs for academic guidelines.

Being a CAHNRS Coug is about having a life-changing experience and having fun along the way. With an endless array of subjects to study, students can explore a variety of topics until they focus on that area that truly excites them. We include ample opportunities to learn outside the classroom, because we not only believe it’s a better way to learn, it makes for a more meaningful and enjoyable college experience.

The Center for Transformational Learning and Leadership makes it possible for students to secure that job-landing internship, experience another culture in the southern hemisphere, unlock their leadership potential through seminars and workshops, and find a mentor to coach them through their academic experience.

CAHNRS knows how to throw a party, and there is not greater time to celebrate than when our students return to campus. Free food (including Ferdinand’s Ice Cream), swag from each of our student clubs, activities, and a drawing for $1,000 scholarships—its all part of our annual Fall Festival. And we just don’t limit the event to our CAHNRS majors, we welcome everyone across campus to learn more about what our college offers.

WSU dedicated its new wine science center June 4, announcing that the center will bear the name of its top supporter. Theodor (Ted) Baseler, president and CEO of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates who also served as chair of WSU’s Wine Campaign, said the company understands the direct correlation between the most successful wine regions of the world and proximity to higher education institutions conducting wine science.

Earning a Ph.D. is never an easy process, but Georgina Mitchell experienced a far rockier road than most.
“My third first year, I finally finished my last first year class,” said Mitchell, a Spokane resident and member of the Coeur d’Alene tribe.
But this weekend, Mitchell, 41, received her doctoral degree from the School of Economic Sciences after starting the program in 2007.

'It was a great honor': Dr. Jay Brunner is 2015 Apple Citizen of the Year

CAHNRS is more than agriculture. With 24 majors, 19 minors, and 27 graduate level programs, we are one of the largest, most diverse colleges at WSU. CAHNRS Cougs are making a difference in the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities, improving ecological and economic systems, and advancing agricultural sciences.

Latest News

June 11, 2015The 2015 crop tour season is underway at Washington State University. Tours give growers and the public a way to view field trials and interact with WSU researchers about cereal varieties and crop management practices. ... - Edit Item

June 10, 2015Wild yeasts grow naturally on grapes, and researchers at Washington State University are looking to find what impact those wild yeasts can have on bottles of wine.
“Winemaking is more sorcery than science,” said Dean Glawe, a WSU plant pathology professor. “Part of what makes particular wines special is what’s growing on the grapes.” - Edit Item

June 8, 2015Juicy ripe strawberries, crunchy dill pickles, tree-ripe peaches – nothing tastes better than home-preserved foods. A well-stocked pantry is a big step towards ensuring your family always has plenty of healthy food. However, safely preserving food at home requires a bit of knowledge, time set aside, and a small investment in equipment. - Edit Item

June 8, 2015Join the Washington State University Department of Crop and Soil Sciences for its 2015 Weed Science Field Tour from 1 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, June 17 at the R.J. Cook Agronomy Farm in Pullman.
The WSU Weed Science Tour educates growers and industry members on management of weeds, and provides the public with an opportunity to discuss ongoing research with faculty. - Edit Item

FACTS

CAHNRS leads in discovery through its high-quality research programs. In 2014, CAHNRS received research funding exceeding $81.5M. This accounts for nearly 40% of all research funding received by WSU. - Edit Item

Students have a variety of options to pursue masters and doctoral degrees. Many of these have very specific background requirements, so we suggest exploring the individual programs for academic guidelines.

Being a CAHNRS Coug is about having a life-changing experience and having fun along the way. With an endless array of subjects to study, students can explore a variety of topics until they focus on that area that truly excites them. We include ample opportunities to learn outside the classroom, because we not only believe it’s a better way to learn, it makes for a more meaningful and enjoyable college experience.

The Center for Transformational Learning and Leadership makes it possible for students to secure that job-landing internship, experience another culture in the southern hemisphere, unlock their leadership potential through seminars and workshops, and find a mentor to coach them through their academic experience.

CAHNRS knows how to throw a party, and there is not greater time to celebrate than when our students return to campus. Free food (including Ferdinand’s Ice Cream), swag from each of our student clubs, activities, and a drawing for $1,000 scholarships—its all part of our annual Fall Festival. And we just don’t limit the event to our CAHNRS majors, we welcome everyone across campus to learn more about what our college offers.

CAHNRS Office of Research

A comprehensive study finds organic agriculture is more profitable for farmers than conventional agriculture.
The results show that there’s room for organic agriculture to expand and, with its environmental benefits, to contribute a larger share in feeding the world sustainably.

Mission Statement

The goal of the Washington State University CAHNRS Office of Research is to promote research beneficial to the citizens of Washington. The Office of Research recognizes its unique land-grant research mission to the people of Washington and their increasing global connections. The CAHNRS Office of Research provides leadership in discovering and applying knowledge through high-quality research that contributes to a safe and abundant food, fiber, and energy supply while enhancing the sustainability of agricultural and natural resource systems.

Featured Research

A comprehensive study finds organic agriculture is more profitable for farmers than conventional agriculture.
The results show that there’s room for organic agriculture to expand and, with its environmental benefits, to contribute a larger share in feeding the world sustainably. - Edit Item

Dairy cows produce lots of manure. A WSU student’s research on cutting the environmental impact of all that waste won him second place in a poster competition at Seattle’s annual Waste to Worth conference. - Edit Item

A team of international scientists has shown that assigning a dollar value to the benefits nature provides agriculture improves the bottom line for farmers while protecting the environment. The study confirms that organic farming systems do a better job of capitalizing on nature’s services. - Edit Item

Upcoming Events

The field day is designed to prepare landowners to plan and execute management activities that meet their personal objectives, reduce risks and protect their financial investment. Absentee landowners with property in eastern Washington are especially[...]

With 39 locations throughout the state, WSU Extension is the front door to the University. Extension builds the capacity of individual, organization, businesses and communities, empowering them to find solutions for local issues and to improve their quality of life. Extension collaborates with communities to create a culture of life-long learning and is recognized for its accessible, learner-centered, relevant, high-quality, unbiased educational programs.

Shellfish production in Washington is a $60 million a year industry. Several major pests plague this industry, resulting in major crop loss. One of the most important pests is subterranean burrowing shrimp. These shrimp bioturbate (stir up) the sediment, causing the oysters to sink and die. For the past 60 years the industry has been using the insecticide Sevin to control this pest, but due to lawsuits its use was phased out in 2012. Without alternative control for shrimp, tens of millions of dollars in annual crop revenue will be lost and the industry will quickly lose its economic viability in southwestern Washington.

The Environmental Protection Agency has identified agriculture as the leading contributor of pollutants to the nation’s rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs. These reports often do not separate animal agriculture from other agricultural enterprises, but they do note that pathogens, nutrients, and oxygen-depleting substances associated with manure are three of the top five pollutants. Some emerging issues related to manure management include: endocrine disruptors (hormones), pharmaceuticals (antimicrobials), and antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Adopting farm practices that minimize the environmental impact is important for food safety.

Biosolids are the solids produced during municipal wastewater treatment. Composts are made from a variety of organic materials, including both urban and agriculture sources such as yard trimmings, biosolids, storm debris, food waste or manure, and food processing residues. While these materials have traditionally been viewed as waste, they can play a valuable role as soil amendments in urban and agricultural settings. They provide nutrients and organic matter and they sequester carbon, thereby conserving resources, restoring soils, and combating climate change.

The next Business Development/Tourism Committee meeting will be held on October 14th, 12:00pm, in the Business Resource Center, 147 N. Clark, Suite 6. (Across from the Post office) Joy Osterberg Ferry County Business Specialist Tri[...]

The WSU College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) Office of Alumni & Friends is a service unit dedicated to promoting philanthropic support for the college’s research, teaching, and extension programs.

CAHNRS seeks $190 million through the Campaign for WSU. This unprecedented fundraising goal is managed through the CAHNRS Office of Alumni and Friends. If you would like to learn more about the CAHNRS’s fundraising priorities, please explore our website or meet the team.

Funding Priorities

Through the Campaign for Washington State University, CAHNRS and WSU Extension will play a major role in defining answers to complex issues through truly big ideas—feeding the world, powering the planet, and ensuring the health and well-being of children, families, and communities. See below to learn more about how we are addressing these issues in our strategic and on-going initiatives and development of world-class students.

Campaign Progress

Faculty & Staff

Ron Nugen, June 15 | Submitted by Katherine
Ron has a tough job- fixing broken equipment yet Ron always seems nice. I am grateful whenever Ron is here to fix whatever I break. He always calms me down and lets me know that the super expensive equipment is fixable. He is also really easy to chat to and is very approachable.

Bill Bonner, June 12, Great Customer Service | Submitted by Laura Coughenour
Bill didn't hesitate to work to resolve a recent issue I created for myself. He wasn't concerned with why I made the mistake I did, just with getting it resolved right away. He saved the day for me.

Frances Bardessano, June 8 | Submitted by Tora Brooks
Frances is the person that runs the reception desk at WSU/IAREC. Frances is the first person one sees upon entering Hamilton Hall. She fields telephone calls, helps visitors to the research station locate the people they need to see and/or helps them figure out who they need to see! One of her many tasks is helping out graduate students and staff with our many questions. She is courteous, friendly and professional. I appreciate her multitasking on behalf of everyone who works here. Thank you, Frances!

Beth Torne, June 5 | Submitted by Katherine
Beth is always smiling and able to make sense of all my babbling. She coordinates my undergraduates and helps them get paid all without complaining how late we can be sometimes. She is always keeping up on notifications and keeping all our undergraduates in line. Beth even goes beyond the month-to-month calculations and helps me figure out my monthly undergrad schedules for the next three months at a time.

Jeffry Bowman, June 5 | Submitted by Katherine
Jeff is always willing to help with any technical problem with a smile. He really brightens up accounting for me as a lab technician. Jeff is always willing to work with me and even on short notice he is quick to get the job done.

Mary Kittelson, June 5 | Submitted by Katherine
Mary is always saying "please" and "thank you" for everything, even little tasks. She is always thinking about others and really brings a personal touch to work. Mary is our problem solver and I am thankful every day she is here to help me out of sticky situations.

Jeannine Burke, June 5 | Submitted by Lynne Carpenter Boggs
Jeannine is always wonderful to work with, very positive. This spring she put in extra time and effort to help finalize a grant submission that would help veterans become farmers. There were multiple partners involved, so extra complexity in the process. Jeannine stayed at it, and politely kept us on track to get all the materials together. I'm very grateful for her dedication!

Vicki McCracken, June 5 | Submitted by Karla Makus
Dr. McCracken works tirelessly behind the scenes to complete reports, assessments, evaluating courses, handling difficult student decisions, etc. every day. Her work day must be 20 hours long! She is also an outstanding teacher who enjoys "teaching" to all types of students. I appreciate all she does for SES.

Donna Cowsert, June 5 | Submitted by Rob Penney
Donna is always ready to help us with a cheerful smile (even when she's slammed with work and had to stay until 7 PM yesterday), great can-do attitude, and amazing financial and computer skills. She'll fly through a dozen different computer screens so fast I can't follow what she's doing but then explain the results in a way I can understand clearly. I've been a project manager for 20+ years but depend on her so much periodically, such as when I'm submitting a proposal or ending a project.

Katie Vetter, June 5 | Submitted by Cristie Crawford
Katie served as the Interim AFS/IPS Academic Coordinator while I was out on Maternity Leave. She had assistance from others in the office, but she served as the primary contact for everyone. Katie is still assisting me as I slowly return to work. She takes on every challenge with confidence and has made my return much easier. As a grad student, Katie is able to balance so many things in her life and she does it with grace. Thank you, Katie, for all of your work and support these past few months! You are amazing!! :)